Auburn linebacker coach James Willis has some work to do when preseason practice gets underway Aug. 2. The Tigers must replace two starters from last season and '07 projected starter Patrick Trahan was ruled ineligible due to grades.

But Willis still has high expectations for his unit.

"We're young but we're going to be very athletic," said Willis.

Leading the way will be sophomore Tray Blackmon who started four games last year totaling 18 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss and three fumble recoveries. After playing at Will (weakside) linebacker last season, Blackmon will begin fall as the starting Mike (middle) linebacker.